The Chinese economy is once again set to become the world’s largest later this century, a position it has held for 18 of the past 20 centuries.

Britain meanwhile is growing faster than almost any other country in the West – and is more open to Chinese investment than any other.

And that’s why in the years to come I want our 2 countries to continue working closely together for the mutual benefit of all our people.

But our relationship goes much deeper than economics.

It’s great – for example – that so many Chinese students have the opportunity to come and study here at British universities.

And these celebrations are a reminder too of the richness and vibrancy of Chinese culture here in the UK, and on this New Year I want to pay tribute to the incredible contribution that the British Chinese community makes to this country.

So let me once again wish you a Happy New Year – and every possible success for the next 12 months.